Brazil have named their 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as manager Tite aims to lead the Selecao to glory for the sixth time.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred has been included in the squad along with his team-mate in Ukraine, Taison, the 30-year-old striker

Neymar has been recovering from right foot surgery in March, and Brazil Football Confederation doctors believe he will be fit to train next week in Teresopolis, where preparations will begin, and play on June 3 in a friendly against Croatia in Liverpool.

Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro he examined Neymar on the weekend and the results were positive.

“This is the final stage of his recovery, he will be able to go to training sessions soon, and will play the friendlies,” Lasmar said.

The coach said several positions in his starting lineup were open, including up front.

“At first, Gabriel Jesus is our starter. But Roberto Firmino will fight for that position in top form,” Tite said. “The challenge is open on the right back, but Danilo has some advantage now because he has performed well recently.”

“Coutinho can play in the middle and in the flanks, he is versatile,” Tite said. “Sometimes preparation gives you elements that you didn’t have, and force you to change your mind.”

Tite said Brazil was one of the favorites for the title, but refused to name other candidates.

The Brazil squad will convene in the capital on 21 May before travelling to London a week later, basing themselves at Tottenham’s training centre before friendlies with Croatia at Anfield on 3 June and Austria in Vienna on 10 June. They are expected to arrive in Russia on 11 June before their opener against Switzerland on 17 June.